Preparing for the CPA Exam is a special challenge, requiring strong dedication and an investment of many study hours. For working parents, passing the CPA Exam may therefore feel like a nearly impossible achievement—balancing full-time work, exam prep, and parenting. 

One of the most frequently asked questions from CPA candidates just starting the process is about the CPA Exam cost. But, the answer to this question is more complicated than just sharing a fee. Several factors affect the cost of the CPA Exam, including the state where you're working toward your license, whether you pass on the first try, and any study materials you may use to prepare. To help you plan and budget, learn about the costs you can expect to incur. 

We've mapped out the best order to take the CPA Exam, depending on your Discipline.

Studying for a single section of the CPA Exam can take a few months and over 100 hours of studying. You're taking in a vast amount of information, so how do you retain it over a long period of time—especially things like FAR formulas and REG tax numbers. It's challenging, but with the right strategies, you can improve your information retention. To help you get started, we're sharing CPA Exam memory tips to ensure you are confident and prepared on exam day. 

How hard is the CPA Exam? We're diving into pass rates, what makes the exam challenging, and how you can get Exam Day Ready.

For new public accountants, entering the firm workplace can be intimidating. But it's also an exciting transition! Learn these seven most important pieces of advice for accountants to gain confidence and set the foundation for a successful public accounting career.Summary To build a successful foundation in public accounting, new professionals should prioritize continuous learning, embrace constructive criticism, work cooperatively as team players, and earn their CPA license early to leverage the field as a versatile gateway for long-term career growth.

If you’re working a full-time job, starting CPA Exam prep may seem impossible. But you've likely experienced the career limitations that come with not holding a CPA license. So what’s next? Can you pass the CPA Exam while working a full-time job? And how do you manage CPA Exam studying while you’re working? 

The CPA Exam proves your competency in financial accounting, taxation, and auditing, as well as skills related to data and technology, problem-solving, analytical ability, and research. This thoroughness is intentional, designed to match the knowledge required for modern public accounting. In 2024, the AICPA restructured the CPA Exam to match the profession's trend towards specialization now requiring all candidates to pass three Core sections and choose from one of three Disciplines.

Passing the CPA Exam requires dedication and strategy to help you stay focused and track your progress. With three core sections and one discipline section to prepare for, balancing other obligations like a full-time job or personal life can make the CPA Exam study process overwhelming. So, what can make it better? 

If you're considering taking the CPA Exam or already starting to study for it, you know that the process to pass all four exam sections is a long one. You’ve likely heard from other CPAs that it takes months of intense studying to pass all four exam sections, and when you think about how many hours to study for the CPA Exam, it can feel overwhelming.